Interest in Uggla?

The FOXSports blog from the general manager meetings in Chicago includes mention of the Orioles and Giants as the clubs in strongest pursuit of Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla. Click here to read it.

Both teams would move Uggla to third base. The Orioles have an opening, and they need a right-handed power bat. It does make sense, though Uggla hasn’t played third in the majors.

His range is limited, so better to keep him away from second, where he committed 29 errors the last two seasons. The Marlins never needed him at third.

Uggla has belted 121 homers in four seasons. He also strikes out a lot, and he’s a career .257 hitter.

Uggla wouldn’t block Josh Bell. The Orioles could use him at first base, too, and his best position might be DH.

So what would the Marlins want in return?

I’ve heard that a young second-line starting pitcher might get it done, someone who doesn’t have to be major league ready in 2010. The Marlins’ minor league pitching is pretty thin. The outfield and bullpen also are areas that could be addressed.

The Marlins are known to act quickly in these situations, and Uggla could be moved before Thanksgiving.